Home Inspector Iowa | Home Inspection 563-517-7815
According to the North American Deck and Railing Association, there’s been an increase in the number of decks that have collapsed, fallen apart, or otherwise failed. In most cases, simple upkeep could have prevented these incidents, which tend to happen (no surprise) when decks are packed with people. Make such an inspection an annual affair—it takes a few minutes—and fix any problems before inviting the gang over. An annual deck inspection will help keep yours safe for years to come.
The inspector will thoroughly inspect the deck in the following areas:
- Materials- Check for split or decaying wood. Inspect cracks with a flat head screwdriver; if you can insert it more than ¼ inch into any cracks, or if the wood feels spongy or breaks off without splintering, this could indicate rot. Keep an eye out for holes, which could mean insects have burrowed in and made a home.
- Ledger Boards- This weight-bearing board connects the deck to your house. The inspector will make sure it’s attached with ½-inch stainless- or galvanized-steel lag screws and through bolts, rather than nails, which can pop out. They will also check for a widened gap between the house and the ledger, which may signal that the bolts need tightening.
- Flashing- Flashing around the ledger board prevents moisture from building up and causing rot. The inspector will look to see if it has pulled away from the house, make sure caulk that seals overlapping pieces is intact and inspect for mud or debris stuck between the spacer and the exterior wall, a sign the flashing’s been breached.
- Railings and Balusters- The inspector will firmly grasp and wriggle these to make sure they’re secure. Also double-check whether they meet local codes, which generally call for a railing at least 3 feet high with balusters spaced no wider than 4 inches apart. Toenail loose pieces back into place, adding glue for extra security, or replace them entirely.
- Support Posts- Look for loose connections between posts and the deck’s beams. Tighten and replace ½-inch through bolts as needed. Posts should be 6 inches square or larger, and no taller than 14 feet.
- Surface Finish- Look for mildew or areas where water doesn’t bead up on contact.
All of our inspections will include a detailed report along with pictures of their findings and will be available to the customer in 24 hours of the inspection.
Getting your deck inspected yearly will prevent damage and unexpected failures. Keep your deck full and your friends and family safe by giving us a call today!
Home Inspector Iowa | Home Inspection 563-517-7815